What Is 2004 PGA Tour of Australasia

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 PGA Tour of Australasia was the 33rd season of the professional golf tour sanctioned by Golf Australia and New Zealand Golf, featuring 17 official events across Australia and New Zealand between January and December 2004.

Key Facts

The 2004 PGA Tour of Australasia ran from January to December 2004
It featured 17 official tournaments across Australia and New Zealand
Greg Chalmers won the Order of Merit with A$409,477 in prize money
The Australian Open was the highest-earning event with A$600,000 in prize funds
The tour was sanctioned by both Golf Australia and New Zealand Golf

Overview

The 2004 PGA Tour of Australasia marked the 33rd season of the premier professional golf circuit in the South Pacific region. Sanctioned jointly by Golf Australia and New Zealand Golf, the tour attracted both local talent and international players seeking ranking points and pathway opportunities to global tours.

This season spanned from January through December, featuring a compact but competitive schedule of 17 official events. The tour served as a developmental and prestige platform, contributing to the Official World Golf Ranking and offering qualifying routes into major championships.

17 official events were held across Australia and New Zealand, including flagship tournaments like the Australian Open and New Zealand Open.
The season began in January with the Volvo China Open co-sanctioned event, giving players early access to international exposure and ranking points.
Greg Chalmers claimed the Order of Merit title after accumulating A$409,477 in earnings, edging out strong competition from fellow Australians.
The Australian Open offered the largest purse of the year at A$600,000, drawing top regional and international participants.
Players earned points toward the Official World Golf Ranking, with several using strong finishes to qualify for major championships or European Tour events.

How It Works

The PGA Tour of Australasia operates as a regional professional golf circuit, structured to support player development, national representation, and international qualification. Each season consists of tournaments awarding prize money and ranking points based on finish positions.

Order of Merit: A season-long points race based on prize money earned. In 2004, Greg Chalmers won with A$409,477, securing recognition and entry advantages.
Tournament Structure: Events follow 72-hole stroke play format. The 2004 tour included 17 events, most held between September and December.
Sanctioning Bodies: Jointly governed by Golf Australia and New Zealand Golf, ensuring standardized rules and eligibility for international recognition.
World Ranking Points: Select events awarded OWGR points. The Australian Open gave significant points, influencing global standings.
Co-sanctioning Agreements: Some 2004 events were co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour, such as the Volvo China Open, expanding player access.
Eligibility: Open to professionals with qualifying status. In 2004, entries included PGA of Australia members and international invitees.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five earners on the 2004 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit:

Player	Nationality	Order of Merit Earnings (A$)	Notable Win	OWGR Impact
Greg Chalmers	Australian	409,477	Australian Masters	Improved top 200
Richard Green	Australian	356,210	Queensland PGA Championship	Moderate gain
Scott Gardiner	Australian	301,115	Victorian Open	Minor improvement
Bradley Hughes	Australian	278,450	—	Stable ranking
Michael Sim	New Zealander	265,330	New Zealand Open	Entered top 300

The 2004 season highlighted Australian dominance, with four of the top five players hailing from Australia. Prize funds were modest compared to global tours, but strong performances provided leverage for entry into higher-tier events, particularly through OWGR improvements and co-sanctioned opportunities.

Why It Matters

The 2004 PGA Tour of Australasia played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of several professional golfers and maintaining competitive standards in the region. It bridged local talent with global opportunities, reinforcing the tour’s relevance in the international golf ecosystem.

Provided a pathway to major championships for players like Chalmers, who used ranking points to qualify for international events.
Strengthened regional cooperation between Australia and New Zealand, promoting cross-border competition and fan engagement.
Offered development opportunities for emerging golfers aiming to transition to the European or Asian Tours.
Enhanced golf visibility in Australasia through media coverage and co-sanctioned events with larger tours.
Supported national pride by showcasing homegrown talent against international competition.
Contributed to the economic impact of host cities, with tournaments generating tourism and local spending.

Overall, the 2004 season underscored the tour’s importance as both a competitive and developmental circuit, laying groundwork for future growth and integration with global golf structures.